Residual lesions in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and clinical outcomes of residual lesions in postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. A retrospective observational study was undertaken at a pediatric heart institution. Postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients receiving ECMO support within 7days of surgery during the past 7years (2005-2011) were studied. A hemodynamically significant cardiac lesion on ECMO support that required intervention to decannulate successfully was defined as a residual lesion. Demographic data, complexity of cardiac defect, surgical data, indications for ECMO, echocardiographic findings, and cardiac catheterization results were studied. Evaluation of residual lesions based on duration of ECMO support, interventions undertaken, and clinical outcomes were also examined. Residual lesions were evaluated in 43 of 119 postoperative patients placed on ECMO support. Lesions were detected in 35 patients (28%), predominantly in branch pulmonary arteries (n=10), shunts (n=7), and ventricular outflow tracts (n=9). Echocardiography detected 7 residual lesions (20%) and cardiac catheterization detected 28 residual lesions (80%). Earlier detection of residual lesions during the first 3days of ECMO support in 24 patients improved their rate of decannulation significantly (P=.004) and survival to hospital discharge (P=.035), compared with later detection (after 3days of ECMO support) in 11 patients. Residual lesions are present in approximately one-quarter of postoperative cardiac surgery patients requiring ECMO support. All postoperative pediatric cardiac surgery patients unable to be weaned off ECMO successfully should be evaluated actively for residual lesions, preferably by cardiac catheterization imaging. Earlier detection of residual lesions and reintervention are associated with improved clinical outcome.